JP5516853B2 - Label making device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a label producing apparatus for producing a print label by performing desired printing on a print-receiving tape.

  2. Description of the Related Art A label producing apparatus that produces a print label by performing desired printing on a print-receiving tape is known. In this label producing apparatus, a roll in which a print-receiving tape is wound in a roll shape is stored in a roll storage unit, and a predetermined printing is performed on the print-receiving tape by a printing means while feeding the print-receiving tape from the roll by a conveying means. Do. The print-receiving tape printed in this way is discharged to the outside of the housing, and in this state, the roll side is cut by the cutting means. In this way, a print label is created.

  In some cases, the above-mentioned tape to be printed is a tape in which a label mount separated in advance to a predetermined size is arranged on a release paper. In this case, predetermined printing is performed on the label mount on the release paper by the printing means while the print-receiving tape is fed from the roll. Then, after the print-receiving tape is discharged, the printed label mount is peeled off from the release paper and used.

  In the label producing apparatus as described above, there is one in which a guide portion extended in a tape width direction is provided in the transport path of the print-receiving tape so as to cover a part of the upper surface portion of the print-receiving tape ( For example, see Patent Document 1). This guide part forms a slit having an opening on one side in the tape conveyance direction and the tape width direction between the conveyance surface of the print-receiving tape, and the print-receiving tape is inserted into the slit.

JP 2008-68561 A (FIGS. 3 and 4)

  In general, in a label producing apparatus, a sensor means such as an optical sensor is provided in a transport path of a print-receiving tape, and a predetermined reference position of the print-receiving tape is detected by the sensor means, and printing is started using the reference position. Printing control such as position determination is performed. Although the sensor means is not particularly described in Patent Document 1 described above, a configuration in which a guide portion provided in the transport path is used as a sensor holder that holds the sensor means is conceivable. In this case, the sensor means is held near the tape surface of the print-receiving tape inserted through the slit by the sensor holder.

  The print-receiving tape is inserted into the slit of the sensor holder by inserting the end of the print-receiving tape through one of the openings on the upstream side in the tape transport direction and one side in the tape width direction. That is, when inserting from the opening on the upstream side in the tape transport direction, the leading end of the print-receiving tape is inserted, and when inserting from the opening on the one side in the tape width direction, the other end in the width direction of the print-receiving tape is inserted. To do. The user inserts the print-receiving tape into the slit manually by the user at the start of print label production. However, in the above prior art, the guide portion as the sensor holder is not structured in consideration of the workability of such insertion work, so that the user may not easily insert the print-receiving tape into the slit of the sensor holder. there were.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a label producing apparatus capable of improving usability by allowing a tape to be printed to be easily inserted into a slit of a sensor holder.

In order to achieve the above object, a label producing apparatus according to a first invention is a label producing apparatus for producing a print label by performing desired printing on a print-receiving tape, and winding the print-receiving tape in a roll shape. A roll storage section for storing the rotated roll, a transport roller for feeding and transporting the print-receiving tape from the roll, a printing means for printing on the transported tape to be transported, and a transport path for the print-receiving tape. Sensor means for detecting a predetermined reference position of the print-receiving tape for use in printing control by the printing means, and the light-emitting portion of the sensor means is more in print than the print means. The light receiving portion of the sensor means is disposed on a horizontal surface upstream of the tape in the transport direction, and a sensor holder provided upstream of the print means of the tape to be printed in the transport direction. The sensor holder is disposed on one side in the tape width direction between an inclined surface that extends from the downstream side in the transport direction to the upstream side of the printing unit from the light emitting unit on the horizontal plane. Covering the light emitting part with a side surface on one side of the tape width direction that includes an inclined part that forms an opened slit at the lower end, and a side surface on the upstream side in the tape transport direction located above the horizontal plane including the light emitting part, In the sensor holder, a chamfered portion is formed at a corner between the side surface on the upstream side in the tape conveying direction and the side surface on the one side in the tape width direction.

  In the label producing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the printing tape is fed out from the roll housed in the roll housing portion by the carrying roller and conveyed, and the printing label is printed on the printing tape by performing desired printing on the printing tape. create. At this time, a predetermined reference position of the print-receiving tape is detected by sensor means provided in the transport path of the print-receiving tape, and printing control by the printing means is performed using the reference position.

  The sensor means is held in the vicinity of the tape surface of the print-receiving tape inserted through the slit by a sensor holder that forms slits opened on both sides of the tape transfer direction and one side in the tape width direction between the print-receiving tape and the transfer surface. Is done. The print-receiving tape is inserted into the slit by inserting the end of the print-receiving tape through an opening on either the upstream side in the tape transport direction or one side in the tape width direction. That is, when inserting from the opening on the upstream side in the tape transport direction, the leading end of the print-receiving tape is inserted, and when inserting from the opening on the one side in the tape width direction, the other end in the width direction of the print-receiving tape is inserted. To do. The user inserts the print-receiving tape into the slit manually by the user at the start of print label production.

  In the first invention of the present application, a chamfered portion is formed at a corner portion between the side surface on the upstream side in the tape conveying direction and the side surface on the one side in the tape width direction in the sensor holder. As a result, when inserting the other end in the width direction of the tape to be printed from the opening on the one side in the tape width direction of the slit, the amount of deformation of the tape to be printed at the time of insertion corresponding to the chamfered corner of the sensor holder The (bending amount from the transport direction) can be reduced, and the end of the print-receiving tape can be easily guided to the opening. Accordingly, since the user can easily insert the print-receiving tape into the slit, the usability of the label producing apparatus can be improved.

The label producing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the label production apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the chamfered portion disposed at a corner portion between the side surface on the upstream side in the tape transport direction and the side surface on the one side in the tape width direction in the sensor holder. It is characterized by being formed into a curved surface.

  By making the chamfered portion into a curved surface, the corners can be completely free from the apexes of the corners, and the print-receiving tape can be prevented from being caught by the apexes. In addition, by making the corner of the sensor holder curved, it is easy to move the tape end between the two openings, tape insertion from the upstream opening in the tape transport direction, and opening on the one side in the tape width direction It is possible to make it easy for the user to switch between the tape insertion and the tape insertion. Furthermore, when inserting the print-receiving tape into the slit, it is possible to prevent injuries or the like due to the user's fingers coming into contact with the corners of the sensor holder, thereby improving safety.

The label producing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the first or second aspect of the invention, wherein the chamfered portion arranged at the slit-side corner of the side surface on the upstream side in the tape conveying direction of the sensor holder is from the inclined portion. It is comprised by the edge part which inclines upwards at the side surface.

  As a result, the entrance of the opening on the upstream side of the slit in the tape transport direction can be widened, and the tape to be printed can be prevented from being caught by the apex of the corner portion. It can be easily inserted into the slit from the opening on the upstream side in the transport direction. Therefore, the usability of the label producing apparatus can be further improved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the label producing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the sensor holder is located on the upstream side surface in the tape conveying direction when the user inserts the print-receiving tape into the slit. And a finger insertion space into which the tip of the finger can be inserted above the horizontal plane on the upstream side in the transport direction.

  By using the finger insertion space, the user can pinch the end of the print-receiving tape with his / her finger and easily insert it into the slit, so that the usability of the label producing apparatus can be further improved.

  In general, in a label producing apparatus, when creating a print label, a user prepares in the following procedure. That is, in a state where the upper cover is opened, the roll is stored in the roll storage unit in the housing. Next, the print-receiving tape is fed from the roll to a position that reaches at least the print head. Then close the top cover. As a result, the print-receiving tape is sandwiched between the platen roller provided on the upper cover side and the print head provided on the housing side, so that printing by the print head and conveyance of the print-receiving tape by the platen roller are possible. . Thereafter, the print-receiving tape is transported by a predetermined distance by the user's operation of the feed button and the production of the print label is started.

  Here, the print-receiving tape drawn out from the roll may be curled due to the influence of the winding direction on the roll. In this case, even if the printing tape is fed from the roll to the printing head, the printing tape does not reach the printing head due to the curling and the label may not be produced even if the upper cover is closed. In such a case, it is necessary to prepare again by opening the upper cover and stretching the curled print-receiving tape.

Therefore, a sensor holder is provided in an inclined section where the transport path of the print-receiving tape is inclined downward. And the side surface of the tape width direction one side of the sensor holder is provided with an inclined portion at the lower end along the inclination of the transport path. By setting it as such a side surface shape, it can be set as the shape along the conveyance path | route which inclined the slit formed between the conveyance surfaces of a to-be-printed tape. Thus, when the user feeds the print-receiving tape from the roll to the print head, the print-receiving tape inserted through the slit can be pressed along the inclination by being fed through the slit of the sensor holder. It is possible to prevent lifting due to such curling. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the above problems and further improve the usability of the label producing apparatus. In particular, in the case of a configuration in which the tape to be printed is fed from the lower side of the roll, the tape to be printed tends to curl upward due to the influence of the winding direction of the roll, but the tape to be printed is transported downwardly. By holding down along the path, the holding effect of the tape to be printed can be further enhanced.

  Further, since the side surface includes the inclined portion, the sensor holder can cover the entire sensor means while suppressing a gap with the conveyance path. Accordingly, there is an effect that it is possible to suppress erroneous detection due to disturbance light when an optical sensor is used as the sensor means.

According to the present invention, since the tape to be printed can be easily inserted into the slit of the sensor holder, the usability of the label producing apparatus can be improved .

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance from the front upper side of the label production apparatus of this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance from upper front side of the state which open | released the upper cover of the label production apparatus, and mounted | wore with the roll. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance from the front upper side of the state which open | released the upper cover of the label production apparatus, and removed the roll. It is a sectional side view showing the whole structure of a label production apparatus. It is a top view showing the whole structure of a label production apparatus. It is a cross-sectional view of the label production apparatus by the VI-VI cross section in FIG. It is a cross-sectional view of the label production apparatus by the VII-VII cross section in FIG. It is the perspective view seen from the roll side showing the detailed structure of a guide member. It is the perspective view seen from the operation part side showing the detailed structure of a guide member. It is a side view showing the whole structure of the label production apparatus in the state where the operation member is not operated. It is a horizontal sectional view of the label production apparatus by a XI-XI cross section in FIG. It is a side view showing the whole label preparation apparatus structure in the state where the operation member was operated. It is a horizontal sectional view of the label production apparatus by the XIII-XIII cross section in FIG. It is a sectional side view of the label production apparatus for demonstrating that the roller which supports a roll changes according to the outer peripheral diameter of a roll. It is a figure showing the motion of the roll gravity center position according to a roll outer periphery diameter. It is a sectional side view of the label producing apparatus showing a state in which the guide surface of the extending portion guides the width direction of the print-receiving tape. It is a sectional side view of the label production apparatus showing the state to which the discharged to-be-printed tape curved. It is a perspective view from the front side of an upper cover body in the state where a window member was removed. It is a perspective view from the back side of an upper cover body in the state where a window member was removed. It is a perspective view from the back side of a transparent window. It is a perspective view from the front side of a transparent window. It is a sectional side view in the rib member installation part of the fitting part of a transparent window and an opening part. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance from the front upper side of the label production apparatus of the modification which makes a mating part curved. It is side sectional drawing showing the internal structure of the discharge outlet vicinity of a label production apparatus. It is a figure showing a mode that a tape piece raise allowable space accepts a raise of the conveyance direction upstream side from a fulcrum of a tape piece at the time of discharge of a tape piece. It is side sectional drawing of the label production apparatus showing the state in which the roll was accommodated when a roll outer peripheral diameter is the maximum value in a roll accommodating part. It is the side view, perspective view, and top view showing the detailed structure of a sensor holder.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the external appearance from the upper front side of the label producing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the front, rear, left, and right directions represent the directions of arrows as shown in each drawing such as FIG.

  In FIG. 1, the label producing apparatus 1 includes a housing 2 having a front panel 6 and an upper cover 5. The housing 2 and the upper cover 5 are made of resin. The upper cover 5 includes an upper cover body 5A and a substantially circular left and right cover member 5B. The left right cover member 5B is fixed to the left and right of the upper cover body 5A by screws or the like. The upper cover body 5 </ b> A is pivotally connected to the housing 2 at the rear end, and thus the upper cover 5 has a structure that can be opened and closed with respect to the housing 2. On both the left and right side walls of the housing 2, there are provided release knobs 17 that release the upper cover 5 from being unlocked by pushing upward to release the upper cover 5. . Further, on the upper side of the front side of the right and left side walls of the housing 2, in this example, the right side wall, the power button 7A of the label producing apparatus 1 and the print-receiving tape fed from the roll 3 by a predetermined length. A feed button 7C for discharging 3A and a cutter button 7B for cutting the print-receiving tape 3A by a cutter unit 8 (see FIG. 4 described later) are arranged.

  The front panel 6 is provided with a discharge port 6A. The discharge port 6A is for discharging the printed tape 3A that has been printed from the inside of the housing 2 to the outside. Further, the upper cover 5 is provided with a transparent window 5C made of a transparent resin through which the roll 3 housed in the housing 2 can be confirmed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the appearance from the front upper side of the state in which the upper cover 5 of the label producing apparatus 1 is opened and the roll 3 is attached and removed will be described. 2 and 3, the illustration of the upper cover 5 is omitted to avoid complication.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the label producing apparatus 1 has a concave roll storage portion 4 behind the internal space of the housing 2. The roll storage unit 4 stores the roll 3 obtained by winding the print-receiving tape 3A having a predetermined width in a roll shape so that the print-receiving tape 3A is fed out from the lower side of the roll. As shown in FIG. 2, a label mount 10 (so-called die-cut label) that has been separated in advance into a predetermined size corresponding to a print label to be produced is provided on the print-receiving tape 3A constituting the roll 3. Are continuously arranged along the longitudinal direction at the position of the central portion in the width direction.

  The roll storage portion 4 has a fixed wall portion 4A on the right side in the width direction, and the roll 3 is placed in a state where the end surface 3R on one side in the width direction (the right side in the width direction in this example) is in contact with the fixed wall portion 4A. Store in a rotatable manner. Further, the roll storage portion 4 is guided by the guide member 20 that guides the width direction of the print-receiving tape 3 </ b> A fed out from the roll 3 by contacting the end surface 3 </ b> L on the other side in the width direction of the roll 3 (left side in the width direction in this example). Is provided. The guide member 20 is provided so as to be able to advance and retract along the width direction of the roll 3 with respect to the fixed wall portion 4A. As a result, the guide member 20 is moved back and forth according to the width of the stored roll 3 and the position thereof is adjusted, so that the roll 3 is sandwiched between the fixed wall 4A and the guide member 20 with respect to the roll 3 having an arbitrary width. The width direction of the printing tape 3A can be guided. Further, the guide member 20 is provided with an operation member 30 that can be switched between a locked state in which the advance / retreat operation of the guide member 20 is prohibited and an unlock state in which the advance / retreat operation of the guide member 20 is allowed by a user operation. . Details of the advancing and retracting structure of the guide member 20 using the operation member 30 will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a platen roller 66 (conveyance roller), which will be described later, is rotationally driven by a platen roller motor (conveyance means) (not shown) on the bottom surface of the roll storage portion 4 to transfer the print-receiving tape 3A from the roll 3. At the time of pulling out, at least two rollers come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the roll 3, so that three rollers 51 to 53 that support the roll 3 in a rotatable manner are provided. These three rollers have different circumferential positions with respect to the roll 3, and are arranged in the order of the first roller 51, the second roller 52, and the third roller 53 along the circumferential direction of the roll 3 from the front to the rear. Has been. The first to third rollers 51 to 53 are divided into a plurality (four in this example) in the roll width direction, and only the portion on which the roll 3 is mounted rotates according to the roll width. Yes.

  Further, a flat surface 40 (mounting surface) is provided on the front side of the roll storage unit 4. A plurality of groove portions 41 (second groove portions; see FIG. 7 and the like described later) are formed on the flat surface 40 along the width direction of the roll. Here, the above-described guide member 20 includes a main body portion 21 that is in contact with the end surface 3L on the left side in the width direction of the roll 3, and an extending portion 22 that extends toward the downstream side (that is, the front side) of the print-receiving tape 3A. have. The guide member 20 is provided so that the extended portion 22 is placed on the flat surface 40. And the claw part 23 (2nd protrusion part. Below-mentioned FIG.8 and FIG.8) engaged with one of the some groove parts 41 provided in the said flat surface 40 at the front-end | tip part lower end of the extension part 22 is provided. 9). The claw portion 23 and the groove portion 41 are engaged when the guide member 20 is in the locked state, and disengaged when the guide member 20 is in the unlocked state.

  Next, the overall structure of the label producing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, the conveyance path of the print-receiving tape 3 </ b> A fed out and conveyed from the roll 3 is indicated by a one-dot chain line.

  As shown in FIG. 4, on the lower side of the front end portion of the upper cover body 5A, roller shafts 66A of a platen roller 66 that feeds and conveys the print-receiving tape 3A from the roll 3 stored in the roll storage portion 4 are provided at both ends in the axial direction. It is rotatably supported by a bracket 65 provided. A gear (not shown) for driving the platen roller 66 is fixed to one shaft end of the roller shaft 66A. The attachment position of the platen roller 66 on the upper cover 5 corresponds to the print head 61 of the housing 2, and the platen roller 66 provided on the upper cover 5 side and the housing 2 side are closed by closing the upper cover 5. The print-receiving tape 3 </ b> A is held between the print head 61 and the print head 61, and printing by the print head 61 becomes possible. Further, when the upper cover 5 is closed, the gear of the platen roller 66 meshes with a gear train (not shown) on the housing 2 side, and the platen roller 66 is moved by the platen roller motor (not shown) constituted by a stepping motor or the like. The tape 3A can be transported by being rotated.

  The print head 61 is supported at one end of a support member 62 that is pivotally supported by a spring member 64 while being pivotally supported at an intermediate portion thereof. On the other hand, the platen roller 66 is attached to the upper cover 5. Therefore, when the upper cover 5 is opened by the release knob 17, the print head 61 is separated from the platen roller 66. When the upper cover 5 is closed, the print head 61 is moved to the print-receiving tape 3A by the biasing force of the spring member 64. Is pressed against the platen roller 66 to enable printing.

  Further, the cutter unit 8 is provided on the downstream side of the print head 61 in the tape transport direction. The cutter unit 8 is a V-shaped movable blade 47 having a V-shape as viewed from the front and arranged so as to be movable by a cutting motor (not shown) in a cutting direction (downward to upward in FIG. 4) substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the print-receiving tape 3A. And a fixed blade 46 disposed opposite to the movable blade 47.

  As described above, the label mount 10 is continuously arranged on the print-receiving tape 3A along the longitudinal direction. As shown in the partially enlarged view in FIG. 4, the label mount 10 has a two-layer structure in this example, and the thermosensitive layer 3a and the adhesive layer 3b having self-coloring properties from the lower side to the upper side in FIG. Are stacked in this order. The label mount 10 is adhered to one surface of the release paper 3c at predetermined intervals by the adhesive force of the adhesive layer 3b. That is, the print-receiving tape 3A has a three-layer structure of the heat-sensitive layer 3a, the adhesive layer 3b, and the release paper 3c in the portion where the label mount 10 is bonded, and the portion where the label mount 10 is not bonded (that is, the label The portion between the mounts 10) has a single-layer structure consisting of only the release paper 3c. The label mount 10 that has been printed is finally peeled off from the release paper 3c, so that it is affixed to a predetermined product or the like as a print label.

  The roll 3 is configured by winding the print-receiving tape 3 </ b> A in a roll shape so that the label mount 10 is radially outward. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the print-receiving tape 3A is unwound from the lower side of the roll 3 with the surface on the label mount 10 side down, and the print head 61 disposed below the print-receiving tape 3A. Is printed.

  In the label producing apparatus 1 configured as described above, when the upper cover 5 is closed and then the platen roller 66 is rotationally driven by the platen motor, the print-receiving tape 3A is pulled. Accordingly, the print-receiving tape 3 </ b> A is fed out from the roll 3 while being guided in the width direction by the main body portion 21 of the guide member 20 that is in contact with the end surface 3 </ b> L on the left side in the width direction of the roll 3. The print-receiving tape 3A fed out from the roll 3 comes into contact with a curved wall surface 42, which is a curved wall surface, formed between the roll storage portion 4 and the flat surface 40 described above. To be bent. And it conveys while the width direction is guided by the extension part 22 of the guide member 20 mounted on the flat surface 40, and a conveyance path | route is bent downward by the support roller 43 provided in the downstream. The support roller 43 is a roller that is provided in a portion where the conveyance path of the print-receiving tape 3A is at the highest position, and supports the print-receiving tape 3A by being rotated in a driven manner.

  Thereafter, the print-receiving tape 3A comes into contact with a bent portion 44 formed between the support roller 43, the platen roller 66, and the print head 61. It is bent and conveyed to the contact position between the platen roller 66 and the print head 61. At this time, when the print head 61 is driven and controlled, predetermined printing is performed on the printing surface of the thermal layer 3c constituting the label mount 10 on the print-receiving tape 3A. Thereafter, the print-receiving tape 3A is discharged onto the front panel 6 from the discharge port 6A. When the print-receiving tape 3A is extended from the cutter unit 8 for a predetermined length, the user operates the cutter button 7B, so that the print-receiving tape 3A is cut by the cutter unit 8. One or a plurality of printed label mounts 10 are arranged on the cut print-receiving tape 3A, and the user removes them from the release paper 3c to use them as print labels.

<Advancing and retracting structure of guide member>
Next, details of the advancing / retreating structure of the guide member 20 using the operation member 30 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the guide member 20 includes the main body 21 that contacts the end surface 3 </ b> L on the left side in the width direction of the roll 3, and the above-described main body 21 that extends toward the downstream side in the feed-out direction of the print-receiving tape 3 </ b> A. The extending portion 22 and a support portion 24 that supports the main body portion 21 and the extending portion 22 are provided. The surface on the roll 3 side of the main body portion 21 and the extending portion 22 constitutes a contact surface 25 that comes into contact with the roll 3. The main body 21 brings the contact surface 25 into contact with the end surface 3L on the left side in the width direction of the roll 3 to guide the width direction of the print-receiving tape 3A, and the extending portion 22 is the print-receiving tape 3A fed out of the contact surface 25. The width direction of the to-be-printed tape 3A is guided by being brought into contact with the end portion of the print.

  The surface of the main body 21 opposite to the contact surface 25 can be switched between a locked state in which the advance / retreat operation of the guide member 20 is prohibited and an unlock state in which the advance / retreat operation of the guide member 20 is allowed by a user operation. The aforementioned operating member 30 is provided. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, the operation member 30 includes a main body portion 31 that is operated by a user with a finger, and a support portion 32 provided at a lower portion of the main body portion 31. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the operation member 30 has a rotation support arm 33 that protrudes toward the guide member 20 on both sides of the support portion 32 in the width direction. The rotation support arm 33 has a pin (not shown) protruding toward the outer side in the width direction of the operation member 30 at the tip thereof, and this pin is formed on the support portion 24 of the guide member 20. The shaft hole 26 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) is fitted. At this time, the rotation support arm 33 is engaged with a concave portion 27 (see FIG. 9) formed in the support portion 24 of the guide member 20 so as to be larger in the vertical direction than the rotation support arm 33. Accordingly, the operation member 30 is configured to be rotatable within a rotation range in which the rotation support arm 33 is engaged with the recess 27 with the pin fitted in the shaft hole 26 as the rotation center.

  The operation member 30 is urged so as to rotate downward (in the direction of arrow X in FIG. 6) by a spring member (not shown). Thus, when the user is not operating the operation member 30, the lower end position (the state where the rotation support arm 33 hits the lower end portion of the recess 27) in the rotation range is located. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of claw portions 34 (first protrusions) provided at the lower end portion of the support portion 32 are provided on the bottom surface of the roll storage portion 4 along the width direction of the roll 3. Engage with one of the grooves 13 (first groove).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, the main body portion 31 of the operation member 30 has a grip portion 35 that is curved toward the opposite side to the guide member 20 at the upper portion thereof. The grip portion 35 is formed with a plurality of linear protrusions 36 arranged in parallel in the vertical direction. The protrusion 36 makes it easy for the user to hook his / her finger on the grip 35. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the main body 21 of the guide member 20 has a latching portion 21 </ b> A that is concave toward the operation member 30 side at a position facing the grip portion 35 of the operation member 30. Is provided. Accordingly, when the user operates the grip portion 35 of the operation member 30 with one finger (for example, thumb), the other finger (for example, the index finger or the middle finger) is hooked on the hook portion 21A of the guide member 20. Thus, the operation member 30 can be operated by pinching with one finger and the other finger.

  The operation member 30 is rotated upward (in the direction indicated by an arrow Y in FIG. 6) against the biasing force of the spring member described above by the user's operation. Thereby, the nail | claw part 34 provided in the lower end part of the said operation member 30 raises, and the engagement with the said nail | claw part 34 and the groove part 13 is cancelled | released. That is, when the user operates the operation member 30, the engagement between the claw portion 34 of the operation member 30 and the groove portion 13 provided on the bottom surface of the roll storage portion 4 is released, and when the user stops the operation of the operation member 30, The claw part 34 and the groove part 13 are engaged.

  Further, the user uses the operation member 30 to engage and release the claw portion 23 provided at the lower end of the distal end portion of the extending portion 22 of the guide member 20 and the groove portion 41 provided on the flat surface 40. Can also be operated. Details will be described next.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the guide member 20 slides in the direction perpendicular to the roll width direction (that is, the front-rear direction) on the side opposite to the contact surface 25 in the main body portion 21 according to the operation state of the operation member 30. There is a shaft storage portion 28 for storing a shaft member 60 (see FIGS. 10 and 11). The shaft storage portion 28 has a plurality (four in this example) of support portions 28A that slidably support the shaft member 60 within a predetermined sliding range, and both end portions in the axial direction are opened. Yes. The shaft member 60 is urged toward one side in the axial direction (rear side in this example) by a spring member (not shown). Thereby, in a state where the user does not operate the operation member 30, the shaft member 60 is located at the rearmost position in the sliding range. In this state, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the shaft member 60 protrudes from the guide member 20 toward the upstream side (in this example, the back side) of the print-receiving tape 3 </ b> A, and downstream in the feed direction (this side) In the example, the front side) is drawn. As a result, the claw portion 23 provided at the lower end of the distal end portion of the extending portion 22 of the guide member 20 and the groove portion 41 provided on the flat surface 40 are engaged, and the locked state of the guide member 20 is maintained.

  Here, on the guide member 20 side of the main body 31 of the operation member 30, a cam member 37 is provided as shown in FIG. On the other hand, a protrusion 61 that protrudes toward the operation member 30 is provided at a position of the shaft member 60 that faces the cam member 37. As a result, when the operation member 30 is rotated upward (in the direction of arrow Y in FIG. 6) by the user's operation, the cam member 37 comes into contact with the protrusion 61 of the shaft member 60, as shown in FIGS. Further, the shaft member 60 protrudes from the guide member 20 toward the downstream side in the feeding direction of the print-receiving tape 3A (in this example, the front side). Thereby, the front-end | tip of the shaft member 60 contacts the slope 4B of the roll accommodating part 4, and the guide member 20 is lifted in the tape feeding direction downstream side (front side in this example). As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, the claw portion 23 provided at the lower end of the distal end portion of the extending portion 22 of the guide member 20 rises and the engagement with the groove portion 41 provided on the flat surface 40 is released. That is, when the user operates the operation member 30, the engagement between the claw portion 23 of the extending portion 22 of the guide member 20 and the groove portion 41 provided on the flat surface 40 is released, and the user stops the operation of the operation member 30. Then, the claw part 23 and the groove part 41 are engaged as shown in FIG.

  Next, a support structure for the guide member 20 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and the like, the bottom of the roll storage portion 4 is fitted with the above-described support portion 24 provided in the guide member 20 along the width direction of the roll 3 so that the guide member 20 advances and retreats. A rail member 11 for guiding the direction is provided. That is, the support portion 24 of the guide member 20 described above has a concave fitting portion 24A at its lower end portion as shown in FIG. 8, and the rail member 11 can slide on the fitting portion 24A. By fitting, the advance / retreat direction of the guide member 20 is guided. The groove 13 described above is provided on the rail member 11.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 11, flange members 12 are provided on both sides of the rail member 11 in the width direction. 5 and 11, since the front side flange member 12 is hidden by the first roller 51, only the hole portion 14 provided at substantially the same position in the vertical direction as the front side member is provided on the front side. It is shown. The flange member 12 is provided so as to be positioned above the flange portions 29 formed on both sides in the width direction of the fitting portion 24A of the support portion 24 when the support portion 24 is fitted to the rail member 11. By holding down the flange 29 from above, the support 24 is prevented from being detached from the rail member 11. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 11, these flange members 12 are arranged in a staggered manner along the width direction of the roll 3 on both sides of the rail member 11 in the width direction. Specifically, regardless of the advance / retreat position of the support portion 24, the zigzag arrangement is such that three or more hook members 12 always overlap with the flange portion 29 of the support portion 24 in the vertical direction. The detachment from the rail member 11 can be reliably prevented.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the flange portions 29 formed on both sides in the width direction of the support portion 24 are on the upstream side in the feeding direction of the print-receiving tape 3 </ b> A among the both sides in the width direction (in this example, on the rear side). The thickness T1 of the flange portion 29R positioned at () is thicker than the thickness T2 of the flange portion 29F positioned on the downstream side (front side in this example). Thereby, the clearance gap between the collar part 29F and the collar part 12 located in the front side can be formed larger than the clearance gap between the collar part 29R and the collar part 12 located in the back side. As a result, the lifting of the guide member 20 on the downstream side in the feeding direction due to the protrusion of the shaft member 60 described above can be allowed.

  With the above configuration, when the user operates the operation member 30, the engagement between the claw portion 34 of the operation member 30 and the groove portion 13 provided on the bottom surface of the roll storage portion 4 is released, and the guide member 20 The engagement between the claw portion 23 of the extended portion 22 and the groove portion 41 provided on the flat surface 40 is released, and the guide member 20 is unlocked. Thereby, the advancing / retreating operation of the guide member 20 with respect to the fixed wall 4 </ b> A is allowed, and the user can adjust the position of the guide member 20 according to the roll width while operating the operation member 30. After the position adjustment is completed, when the user stops the operation of the operation member 30, the claw portion 34 of the operation member 30 and the groove portion 13 of the roll storage portion 4 are engaged, and the extending portion 22 of the guide member 20 is engaged. The nail | claw part 23 and the groove part 41 of the flat surface 40 engage, and the guide member 20 will be in a locked state. Thereby, the advance / retreat operation of the guide member 20 is prohibited, and the guide member 20 can be fixed at the adjusted position.

<Roller structure in roll storage unit>
Next, the details of the above-described three rollers 51 to 53 provided in the roll storage unit 4 will be described.

  As described above, the three rollers 51 to 53 have different circumferential positions with respect to the roll 3, and the first roller 51, the second roller 52, and the like along the circumferential direction of the roll 3 from the front to the rear. The third rollers 53 are arranged in this order. The rotation center axes Xr1 to Xr3 (see FIG. 5) of these three rollers 51 to 53 are parallel to the winding center axis XR (see FIG. 2) of the roll 3, respectively. As shown in FIG. 4, the third roller 53 is opposite to the first and second rollers 51 and 52 in the feeding direction of the print-receiving tape 3A. In the example, it is arranged on the rear side). Further, the first roller 51 and the second roller 52 are disposed so as to be in a horizontal position, and the third roller 53 is disposed in a higher position than the first and second rollers 51 and 52. An inter-roller distance d1 (first roller distance) between the first roller 51 and the second roller 52 is equal to an inter-roller distance d2 (second roller distance) between the second roller 52 and the third roller 53. It is arranged to be larger than (distance).

  Here, the label producing apparatus 1 produces a print label by performing desired printing on the print-receiving tape 3 </ b> A fed out from the roll 3 stored in the roll storage unit 4. At this time, the outer diameter of the roll 3 stored in the roll storage unit 4 gradually decreases from the maximum value Dmax to the intermediate value Dmid and then to the minimum value Dmin as the print-receiving tape 3A is fed. The maximum value Dmax is the roll outer diameter at the start of use, and the minimum value Dmin is the roll outer diameter at the end of use. In this embodiment, for example, a roll 3 having Dmax = 4 inches (101.6 mm), Dmin = 1 inch (25.4 mm) + paper tube 3B (described later) thickness (2 mm × 2) = 29.4 mm is used. . The intermediate value Dmid is a roll outer diameter when all of the three rollers 51 to 53 support the roll 3, which will be described in detail later. In this embodiment, for example, when using the roll, Dmid = 63. It is set to be about 5 mm. And by arrange | positioning the rollers 51-53 as mentioned above, according to the outer peripheral diameter of the roll 3, the roller structure which supports the roll 3 is varied. The content of varying the roller configuration according to the roll outer diameter will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 14A, when the outer peripheral diameter of the roll 3 is the maximum value Dmax, the second roller 52 and the outer peripheral surface of the roll 3 are separated from each other by the first roller 51 and the third roller 53. The roll 3 is supported. The support state by the two rollers 51 and 53 continues from when the roll outer peripheral diameter is the maximum value Dmax to before the intermediate value Dmid shown in FIG. That is, the roll 3 is supported by the first roller 51 and the third roller 53 in the range from the maximum value Dmax to the intermediate value Dmid, which is a relatively large range of the outer circumference of the roll. Thereby, since the distance between the rollers for supporting the roll 3 can be increased, the roll 3 can be stably supported. In addition, the following effects are also achieved.

  That is, when the print-receiving tape 3A is fed from the lower side of the roll 3 as in the present embodiment, a force acts to roll the roll 3 in the direction opposite to the tape feeding direction (in this example, the rear side). . At this time, since the center of gravity of the roll 3 is relatively high in the range from the maximum value Dmax to the intermediate value Dmid as shown in FIG. The influence of the force to roll the roll 3 backward increases, and the roll 3 may roll in the backward direction. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14C, the center of gravity of the roll 3 is relatively low in the range where the roll outer diameter is a relatively small range, which is smaller than the intermediate value Dmid and then reaches the minimum value Dmin. The influence of the force for rolling the roll 3 is reduced, and the risk of the roll 3 rolling is reduced.

  In the present embodiment, in the range from the maximum roll diameter Dmax to the intermediate value Dmid, that is, in the range where the center of gravity of the roll 3 is relatively high, as described above, the first roller 51, The roll 3 is supported by a third roller 53 disposed at a high position on the rear side with respect to the second rollers 51 and 52. As a result, it is possible to effectively resist the force of rolling the above-described roll 3 in the rearward direction, and the roll 3 can be used even in the range from the maximum value Dmax to the intermediate value Dmid. Can be stably supported.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14B, when the outer diameter of the roll 3 becomes the intermediate value Dmid, all of the first roller 51, the second roller 52, and the third roller 53 are in the roll 3. The roll 3 is supported by these three rollers 51 to 53 in contact with the outer peripheral surface. As described above, when the roll outer diameter is the intermediate value Dmid, the roll 3 is supported by using all of the first roller 51, the second roller 52, and the third roller 53, so that the roll 3 is stabilized. Can be supported. In addition, the following effects are also achieved.

  That is, in general, when the platen roller 66 is driven to rotate to feed the print-receiving tape 3A from the roll 3, the larger the outer peripheral diameter of the roll and the greater the number of rollers that support the roll 3, the greater the inertia due to the weight of the roll 3 itself. In addition, the load on the tape feeding due to the friction of the roller increases. If this load exceeds a predetermined value, the print-receiving tape 3A is not smoothly fed out from the roll 3, and there is a possibility that printing by the print head 61 may be uneven.

  In the present embodiment, the roll 3 is supported by the three rollers of the first roller 51, the second roller 52, and the third roller 53 when the roll outer peripheral diameter becomes the intermediate value Dmid as described above. That is, the roll outer diameter when the number of rollers supporting the roll 3 is the maximum three can be set to the intermediate value Dmid, and can be significantly reduced as compared with the case where the maximum value Dmax is reached. As a result, it is possible to reduce the load when the print-receiving tape 3A is unwound from the roll 3, and to suppress the occurrence of printing unevenness as described above.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14C, when the outer peripheral diameter of the roll 3 is the minimum value Dmin, the third roller 53 and the outer peripheral surface of the roll 3 are separated from each other, and the first roller 51 and the second roller The roll 3 is supported by 52. Note that the roll 3 at this time is in a state in which the print-receiving tape 3A is all drawn out and the paper tube 3B is exposed, and the minimum value Dmin of the roll outer diameter corresponds to the outer diameter of the paper tube 3B. The support state by the two rollers 51 and 52 continues until the outer diameter of the roll 3 becomes smaller than the intermediate value Dmid shown in FIG. That is, the roll 3 is supported by the two rollers of the first roller 51 and the second roller 52 in the range from the time when the roll outer peripheral diameter is smaller than the intermediate value Dmid to the minimum value Dmin. Will do. In the present embodiment, the roller distance d1 (see FIG. 4) between the first roller 51 and the second roller 52 is set to be smaller than the minimum value Dmin of the roll outer diameter, so the roll outer diameter becomes the minimum value Dmin. However, the roll 3 can be prevented from falling off.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 15, the movement of the roll center of gravity position according to the roll outer peripheral diameter in the case where the above roller support is performed will be described. In FIG. 15, for easy explanation, the center of gravity of the roll 3 when the roll outer diameter is Dmax, Dmid, Dmin is represented by Gmax, Gmid, Gmin, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the center of gravity of the roll 3 is a line segment connecting the contact points P1, P3 between the roll 3 and the rollers 51, 53 in the range from the maximum value Dmax to the intermediate value Dmid. Is moved from Gmax to Gmid on the vertical bisector L1. In this range, since the position of the center of gravity of the roll 3 is high, the force for rolling the above-described roll 3 to the rear side (right side in FIG. 15) becomes dominant with respect to the weight of the roll 3. Therefore, as shown in the figure, the vertical bisector L1 is inclined forward (left side in FIG. 15) so that it can effectively resist the force of rolling the roll 3 backward. It has become.

  On the other hand, in the range from the roll outer peripheral diameter to the minimum value Dmin, the center of gravity of the roll 3 is bisected in a vertical line segment connecting the contact points P1, P2 between the roll 3 and the rollers 51, 52. Move on the line L2 from Gmid to Gmin. In this range, since the position of the center of gravity of the roll 3 is lower, the weight of the roll 3 is more dominant with respect to the force for rolling the roll 3 backward. Therefore, the influence of the force for rolling the roll 3 backward is small, and the roll 3 can be stably supported even by the support by only the rollers 51 and 52 arranged in the horizontal position.

<Guide function by extension part>
Next, the details of the guide function of the extending portion 22 of the guide member 20 will be described.
As described above, the guide member 20 includes the main body 21 that contacts the end face 3L on the left side in the width direction of the roll 3, and the extending portion 22 that extends toward the downstream side (that is, the front side) of the print-receiving tape 3A in the feeding direction. And have. The main body 21 (feeding guide member) guides the width direction of the print-receiving tape 3 </ b> A fed out from the roll 3 by contacting the end surface 3 </ b> L on the left side in the width direction of the roll 3. A claw portion 23 (protrusion portion) that engages with one of the plurality of groove portions 41 provided on the flat surface 40 is provided at the lower end of the distal end portion of the extending portion 22. As shown in FIG. 8 described above, the extending portion 22 has a guide surface 22A (conveyance guide member) provided upright on the one side in the width direction of the print-receiving tape 3A above the claw portion 23. Then, the width direction of the print-receiving tape 3A is guided by bringing the guide surface 22A into contact with the end of one side in the width direction of the print-receiving tape 3A fed from the roll 3. The guide surface 22A constitutes a part of the front end side of the contact surface 25 described above, that is, the contact surface 25 including the guide surface 22A, the extending portion 22, and the main body portion 21 are integrated. A guide member 20 is configured.

  A state in which the guide surface 22A of the extending portion 22 guides the width direction of the print-receiving tape 3A will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the outer diameter of the roll 3 shown in FIG. 16 corresponds to the maximum value Dmax, the intermediate value Dmid, and the minimum value Dmin shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 described above.

  As shown in FIG. 16, in the state where the extended portion 22 is placed on the flat surface 40 and the claw portion 23 is engaged with the groove portion 41, the guide surface 22A of the extended portion 22 conveys the print-receiving tape 3A. On the path, the contact position P4 (hereinafter referred to as “first bending position P4”) with the curved wall surface 42 where the transport path is bent first after feeding from the roll 3, the platen roller 66, and the print-receiving tape 3A Is provided between the contact position P6 (conveyance roller position; hereinafter referred to as “platen roller position P6”). More specifically, the guide surface 22A is on the transport path where the transport path is bent next to the first bent position P4 and the first bent position P4 on the transport path of the print-receiving tape 3A. It is provided between the support roller 43 that supports the print-receiving tape 3A and a position P5 (hereinafter referred to as “second bending position P5”) where the print-receiving tape 3A contacts.

  As a result of the guide surface 22A being provided at the above position, the guide surface 22A can guide the width direction of the print-receiving tape 3A without being affected by the outer peripheral diameter of the roll 3. This will be described with reference to FIG. That is, the outer diameter of the roll 3 stored in the roll storage unit 4 gradually decreases as the printing tape 3A is fed out. As a result, as shown in FIG. 16, the feeding position of the print-receiving tape 3A gradually moves as the roll outer diameter decreases, so that the transport path of the print-receiving tape 3A immediately after roll feeding also varies depending on the roll outer diameter. To do. In the example shown in FIG. 16, when the roll outer peripheral diameter is the maximum value Dmax, the transport path of the print-receiving tape is 3 Amax, when the roll outer peripheral diameter is the intermediate value Dmid, the transport path is 3 Amid, and the roll outer peripheral diameter is the minimum value Dmin. The transport route is indicated by 3 Amin.

  At this time, the first bending position P4 described above is a position where the transport path of the print-receiving tape 3A fed out from the roll 3 is first bent by the contact with the curved wall surface 42. Therefore, at the first bending position P4, The position of the transport path of the print-receiving tape 3A is constant. Therefore, as described above, even if the conveyance path of the print-receiving tape 3A immediately after the roll feeding changes due to the change in the roll outer diameter, as shown in FIG. 16, it is limited to the conveyance path from the feeding position to the first bending position P4. The transport path downstream from the first bending position P4 does not vary. As a result, by providing the guide surface 22A of the extending portion 22 between the first bent position P4 and the second bent position P5 on the transport path of the print-receiving tape 3A as described above, regardless of the roll outer diameter. The width direction can be guided in a portion that becomes a constant path.

<Function to prevent peeling of label mount by contact member>
Next, the function of preventing the label mount 10 from being peeled off by the contact member provided in the transport path of the print-receiving tape 3A will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 16 described above, a plurality of contact members are provided on the transport path of the print-receiving tape 3A so as to come into contact with the lower surface, which is the label mount side surface of the print-receiving tape 3A. That is, first, at the first bending position P4, the curved wall surface 42 comes into contact with the lower surface, which is the surface of the print-receiving tape 3A on the label mount 10 side. Next, at the second bending position P5, the support roller 43 comes into contact with the lower surface of the print-receiving tape 3A. Thereafter, between the support roller 43 and the platen roller position P6, the above-described bent portion 44 contacts the lower surface of the print-receiving tape 3A. The curved wall surface 42, the support roller 43, and the bent portion 44 come into contact with the surface of the print-receiving tape 3A on the label mount side so that the surface of the label mount side is concave in the longitudinal direction of the tape. It functions as a contact member to be bent. That is, the curved wall surface 42, the support roller 43, and the bent portion 44 come into contact with the print-receiving tape 3A so as to press the label mount 10 against the release paper 3c, and the print-receiving tape 3A is conveyed while making such contact. Therefore, the label mount 10 can be prevented from being peeled off from the release paper 3c in the transport path.

<Rib structure provided at the joint between the upper cover body and the window member>
Next, the structure of the rib member 72 provided at the mating portion M between the upper cover main body 5A and the window member 5C will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 17 to 23.

  As shown in FIG. 1 described above, the upper cover body 5A of the upper cover 5 is provided with a transparent window 5C (window member) made of a transparent resin through which the roll 3 housed in the housing 2 can be confirmed. . The transparent window 5C is fixed by being fitted into an opening 70 (see FIGS. 18 and 19) formed in the upper cover body 5A. By fitting the transparent window 5C, the mating portion M formed between the window member 5C and the opening 70 is located at the front mating portion Ma located at the front, the rear mating portion Mb located at the rear, and the left. It is comprised from the left alignment part Mc and the right alignment part Md located in the right side. There may be a gap in the mating portion M due to a manufacturing error of the window member 5C and the opening 70 or the like.

  Here, in the case of the configuration in which the print-receiving tape 3A is fed out from the lower side of the roll 3 as in the present embodiment, due to the influence of the winding direction on the roll 3, as shown in FIG. The printed tape 3A may be curled upward (curved) in some cases. Further, when a thermal head is used as the print head 61, such curling may occur due to the influence of heat. When such a curl occurs, the mating portion M of the opening 70 and the window member 5C, particularly the front mating portion Ma and the rear mating portion that are parallel to the tape width direction of the print-receiving tape 3A discharged from the discharge port 6A. If there is a gap in Mb, the tip of the print-receiving tape 3A may enter the gap, and the discharge from the discharge port 6A of the print-receiving tape 3A may not be smoothly performed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the rib member 72 is provided in the mating portions Ma and Mb to prevent the print-receiving tape 3A from entering as described above. This will be described in detail below.

  As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the opening 70 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and its inner side surface 71 includes a front inner side surface 71 a positioned forward, a rear inner side surface 71 b positioned rearward, and a left side. It is comprised from the left inner side surface 71c located, and the right inner side surface 71d located in the right side. Among these inner side surfaces, the inner side surface parallel to the tape width direction of the print-receiving tape 3A discharged from the discharge port 6A, that is, the front inner side surface 71a and the rear inner side surface 71b which are inner side surfaces along the apparatus width direction. When the transparent window 5C is fitted into the opening 70, a plurality (eight in this example) of rib members 72 are engaged with the rib grooves 82 (see FIGS. 20 to 22) formed in the transparent window 5C. Is protruding. In the present embodiment, eight rib members 72 are provided, but other numbers may be used.

  Each rib member 72 extends along the fitting direction of the transparent window 5C to the opening 70, and the end position on the cover surface side is a predetermined distance d3 (see FIG. 5) from the surface position of the upper cover body 5A. 22), the front inner side surface 71a and the rear inner side surface 71b are provided so as to be located on the back side of the opening 70. In the present embodiment, the predetermined distance d3 is set to about 1 mm, for example. In this way, by providing the rib member 72 at a deep position, when the transparent window 5C is fitted into the opening 70, the transparent window 5C covers the cover surface side end portion 72a of the rib member 72, and the end portion 72a can be prevented from being exposed on the cover surface.

  Of the inner side surface 71 of the opening 70, stepped portions 73 each having a predetermined width are provided in succession on the rear inner side surface 71b, the left inner side surface 71c, and the right inner side surface 71d. When the transparent window 5C is fitted into the opening 70, the step 73 has a gap Se (see FIG. 22) at the upper end of the rear alignment portion Mb, the left alignment portion Mc, and the right alignment portion Md. Reference). The gap Se is used, for example, for inserting a predetermined jig when the transparent window 5C is removed from the opening 70. The stepped portion 73 is located on the back side of the opening 70 by a predetermined distance d3 from the surface position of the cover main body 5A, and the cover surface side end portion 72a of the rib member 72 and the stepped portion 73 on the rear inner side surface 71b. The height matches.

  A plurality (four in this example) of rib members 72 are provided in parallel in the width direction of the label producing apparatus 1 on each of the front inner surface 71a and the rear inner surface 71b. Among these, the rib members 72, 72 located on the right side in the apparatus width direction on each of the front inner side surface 71a and the rear inner side surface 71b are discharged from the discharge port 6A of the print-receiving tape 3A having the smallest tape width. It is provided to be at a position corresponding to the center position in the tape width direction. This will be described in detail. That is, as described above, the roll storage unit 4 can store the roll 3 having an arbitrary width by moving the guide member 20 back and forth, but the minimum roll width that can be stored according to the standard of the roll (printed tape). That is, the minimum tape width Wmin of the print-receiving tape 3A discharged from the discharge port 6A is determined.

  Here, the label producing apparatus 1 can produce a plurality of print labels having different widths using the roll 3 having an arbitrary width stored in the roll storage unit 4. Accordingly, a plurality of print-receiving tapes 3A having different tape widths are discharged from the discharge port 6A. At this time, for the plurality of print-receiving tapes 3 </ b> A having different tape widths, the discharge port 6 </ b> A positions their tape end positions at the position of the discharge port side wall 67 (see FIG. 1) on the right side in the apparatus width direction of the discharge port 6 </ b> A. Discharge while matching. The discharge outlet side wall 67 and the right inner side surface 71d of the opening 70 coincide with each other in the apparatus width direction position. As shown in FIG. 18, the rightmost rib members 72, 72 on each of the front inner side surface 71a and the rear inner side surface 71b are provided at a position in the width direction that is a distance of Wmin / 2 from the right inner side surface 71d. Yes. As a result, the rib members 72 and 72 are at positions corresponding to the center position in the tape width direction of the print-receiving tape 3A where the tape width discharged from the discharge port 6A is minimum. Further, the rib members 72 other than the rightmost rib member 72 are also arranged at appropriate intervals according to other standard sizes of the roll 3 accommodated in the roll accommodating portion 4.

  In the present embodiment, since the position in the apparatus width direction of the discharge outlet side wall 67 and the right inner side surface 71d of the opening 70 is the same, the rightmost one of the plurality of rib members 72 is covered with the minimum tape width. Although it is made to correspond to the center position of the print tape 3A, the right end rib member 72 is not necessarily associated. For example, when the opening 70 is larger in the width direction than the discharge port 6A, an intermediate position of the plurality of rib members 72 may correspond to the center position of the print-receiving tape 3A having the minimum tape width. That is, it is sufficient that at least one of the plurality of rib members 72 corresponds.

  As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the transparent window 5 </ b> C is formed in a substantially rectangular shape corresponding to the shape of the opening 70, and its side surface 81 is positioned forward when fitted into the opening 70. A front side surface 81a, a rear side surface 81b positioned rearward, a left side surface 81c positioned leftward, and a right side surface 81d positioned rightward. Among these side surfaces, the front side surface 81a and the rear side surface 81b combined with the front inner side surface 71a and the rear inner side surface 71b of the opening portion 70 have a plurality of rib grooves 82 (in this example, 8). One) is provided.

  Each rib groove 82 has a covering portion 82a at its upper end, and this covering portion 82a covers the cover surface side end portion 72a of the rib member 72 when the transparent window 5C is fitted into the opening 70. It has become. In addition, two locking claws 83 are provided on each of the left side surface 81c and the right side surface 81d. The transparent window 5 </ b> C is fixed to the opening 70 by the locking claws 83 being locked to the locked portions 74 provided at corresponding positions on the inner surface 71 of the opening 70.

  As shown in FIG. 22, when the transparent window 5C is fitted into the opening 70, the rib member 72 of the opening 70 engages with the rib groove 82 of the transparent window 5C at the front alignment portion Ma and the rear alignment portion Mb. Thereby, even when a gap is generated in the mating portions Ma and Mb, the gap is filled in the portion where the rib member 72 is formed by the engagement between the rib member 72 and the rib groove 82 of the transparent window 5C. 3A can be prevented from entering.

  In addition to the method of providing the rib member 72, for example, a part or the whole of the mating portion M may be curved to prevent the front end of the print-receiving tape 3A from entering. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 23, the opening 70 and the transparent window 5 </ b> C are configured such that, of the mating portions M ′, the rear mating portion Mb ′ (curved portion) has an arc shape that bulges backward. The other front alignment part Ma (straight line part), left alignment part Mc (straight line part), and right alignment part Md (straight line part) are linear as in FIG. The rib member 72 is provided only at the front mating portion Ma, and the rib member 72 is not provided at the rear mating portion Mb ′.

  By adopting such a configuration, the leading end of the print-receiving tape 3A can be prevented from entering by the rib member 72 at the front mating portion Ma of the mating portions M ′. Further, in the rear alignment portion Mb ′, since the alignment portion is curved, it is possible to prevent the front end of the print-receiving tape 3 </ b> A having a linear shape without providing the rib member 72. Thereby, the penetration | invasion of the front-end | tip of the to-be-printed tape 3A can be prevented reliably. Moreover, since the number of the rib members 72 can be reduced by providing the rear matching portion Mb ′, the structure can be simplified.

  Note that not only the rear matching portion Mb ′ but also the front matching portion Ma may be curved. In this case, the rib member 72 becomes unnecessary, and the structure can be further simplified.

<Function of tape piece ascending allowable space>
Next, the tape piece rising allowable space Sp formed near the discharge port 6A in the internal space of the housing 2 will be described.

  The internal structure near the discharge port 6A of the label producing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the cutter unit 8 (cutting means) including the movable blade 47 and the fixed blade 46 is provided on the downstream side of the print head 61 and the platen roller 66 in the conveyance path of the print-receiving tape 3A. A support member 68 is provided further downstream of the cutter unit 8. The support member 68 has a sharp shape in a side view as viewed from one side in the apparatus width direction, and includes a support portion 68a parallel to the tape width direction of the print-receiving tape 3A, as shown in FIG. Further, the tape piece 3Ap formed by cutting the print-receiving tape 3A into a predetermined length is rotatably supported with the support portion 68a as a fulcrum in a side view. The tape piece 3Ap that rotates with the support portion 68a as a fulcrum is discharged to the outside of the housing 2 from the discharge port 6A. The user peels off the printed label mount 10 from the release paper 3c of the tape piece 3Ap, and uses it as a print label.

  At this time, in the casing 2, the tape piece 3 </ b> Ap supports the support part 68 a above the section between the cutting position P <b> 7 by the cutter unit 8 and the support position P <b> 8 by the support member 68 in the transport path of the print-receiving tape 3 </ b> A. By rotating in the direction of lowering the downstream side in the transport direction as a fulcrum, a tape piece ascent allowance space Sp is formed that allows the upstream in the transport direction from the fulcrum of the tape piece 3Ap. The vertical region of the tape piece ascending space Sp is a space above the transport path of the tape to be printed 3A and below the structural member 6B provided inside the front panel 6, and specifically, the structure The member 6B is formed by cutting out a structural member (for example, a rib) provided to protrude toward the print-receiving tape 3A.

  The support member 68 is provided such that the distance L3 between the cutting position P7 and the support position P8 in the transport path is less than or equal to half of the minimum length Lmin of the tape piece 3Ap. Here, the minimum length dimension Lmin is the length when only one label mount 10 is arranged on the tape piece 3Ap formed by cutting. Thereby, in the state where the tape piece 3Ap is always supported by the support member 68, the length on the downstream side in the transport direction from the fulcrum is longer than the length on the upstream side in the transport direction from the fulcrum.

  With reference to FIG. 25, a description will be given of how the tape piece rising allowance space Sp is allowed to rise upstream in the transport direction from the fulcrum of the tape piece 3Ap when the tape piece 3Ap is discharged.

  As shown in FIG. 25A, the print-receiving tape 3A printed by the print head 61 is conveyed by the platen roller 66, and is discharged to the outside of the housing 2 through the discharge port 6A. At this time, the cutter unit 8 is in a state where the movable blade 47 is lowered with respect to the fixed blade 46. In this embodiment, since the print-receiving tape 3A is fed out from the lower side of the roll 3, the print-receiving tape 3A discharged from the discharge port 6A due to the influence of the winding direction of the roll 3 is the downstream end in the transport direction. The portion (the left end portion in the figure) is curled (curved) in an arc shape that faces upward. In this example, the state where the roll 3 is close to the end of use, that is, the case where the roll outer diameter is almost the minimum value Dmin (see FIG. 14C) is shown. The roll 3 is curled in an arc shape with a curvature equal to the winding curvature of the tape 3A to be printed on the roll 3 when the diameter is the minimum value Dmin. As a result, the radius of curvature of the curled portion of the print-receiving tape 3A is Dmin / 2. Note that the tangent line Ta at the fulcrum of the curled portion of the print-receiving tape 3A at this time is inclined so that the upstream side in the tape transport direction (right side in the figure) is downward from the horizontal.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 25 (b), when a predetermined amount of the print-receiving tape 3 </ b> A is discharged, the movable blade 47 of the cutter unit 8 rises and cooperates with the fixed blade 46 to move the print-receiving tape 3 </ b> A. Disconnect. In this example, the case where the length dimension of the tape piece 3Ap formed by cutting is the above-described minimum length dimension Lmin is shown. Therefore, as described above, in the state where the tape piece 3Ap is supported by the support member 68, the length on the downstream side in the transport direction (left side in the figure) is longer than the length on the upstream side in the transport direction (right side in the figure). The center of gravity g located at the width direction and the transport direction center of the tape piece 3Ap is located outside (on the left side in the drawing) from the support position P8. As a result, as shown in FIG. 25B, the tape piece 3Ap rotates with the support portion 68a as a fulcrum to lower the downstream side in the transport direction and to raise the upstream side in the transport direction from the fulcrum. At this time, the tape piece rising allowance space Sp allows the rising on the upstream side in the transport direction from the fulcrum of the tape piece 3Ap. At this time, the tangent Ta at the fulcrum of the tape piece 3Ap is substantially horizontal with the rotation of the tape piece 3Ap from the state shown in FIG. Further, the curvature of the tape piece 3Ap formed by cutting is equal to the curvature of the curled portion of the print-receiving tape 3A shown in FIG.

  And as shown in FIG.25 (c), tape piece 3Ap rotates centering on the support part 68a until the conveyance direction upstream end part of tape piece 3Ap contacts the lower end of structural member 6B. The state where the upstream end of the tape piece 3Ap in the conveyance direction is in contact with the lower end of the structural member 6B is a state where the tape piece increase allowable space Sp allows the maximum increase in the conveyance direction upstream of the tape piece 3Ap. At this time, the center of gravity g of the tape piece 3Ap is located outside the support position P8 and lower than the fulcrum. Further, the tangent Ta at the fulcrum of the tape piece 3Ap at this time is inclined from the horizontal state shown in FIG. 25 (b) to a direction in which the downstream side in the tape transport direction is downward as the tape piece 3Ap rotates.

  Thereafter, the tape piece 3Ap has its center of gravity g located outside the support position P8 and lower than the fulcrum, as described above, so that the bottom surface is slid relative to the support portion 68a. As shown in FIG. 25 (d), it is discharged from the outlet 6A to the outside of the housing 2.

  In addition, the dimension of the up-down direction of the tape piece raise allowable space Sp is not necessarily required as described above. That is, until the tape piece 3Ap is at least in the state shown in FIG. 25B, that is, until the tangent line Ta at the fulcrum of the tape piece 3Ap is substantially horizontal, the tape piece rising allowance space Sp is on the upstream side in the transport direction of the tape piece 3Ap. It is only necessary to allow the rise. In this case, since the center of gravity g is higher than the fulcrum and the tape piece 3Ap does not slide down from the discharge port 6A, the center of gravity g is located outside the support position P8, so at least the housing of the tape piece 3Ap is present. This is because entry into the body 2 can be prevented.

<Structure of latching portion of guide member>
Next, the structure of the latching portion 21A provided on the guide member 20 will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the main body 21 of the guide member 20 has a latching portion 21 </ b> A in which a contact surface 25 that contacts the roll 3 of the guide member 20 is concave in a direction away from the roll 3. Is provided. As shown in FIG. 2, the latching portion 21 </ b> A is operated by the user to advance and retract the guide member 20 between the end surface 3 </ b> L on the other side in the width direction of the roll 3 (left side in the width direction in this example) as shown in FIG. 2. A hooking space Sf that can be hooked with a finger is formed. The concave shape is formed from the position where the height from the lower end of the guide member 20 is H (see FIG. 26 described later) to the upper end of the guide member 20.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the latching portion 21 </ b> A has a grip surface GF that is curved in a direction away from the roll 3 in the concave shape. And as shown in above-mentioned FIG. 6, the operation member 30 equips the upper end part with the grip part 35 curved toward the said grip surface GF of the latching | locking part 21A. Thus, when the user operates the grip part 35 of the operation member 30 with one finger (for example, thumb), the other finger (for example, index finger or middle finger) is used to hold the grip surface GF of the latching part 21A of the guide member 20. The operating member 30 can be easily operated by being hooked on the finger and pinching with one finger and the other finger.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 26, the height at which the latching portion 21A is formed will be described. In this example, a roll 3 having a maximum roll outer diameter Dmax is stored in the roll storage unit 4. At this time, as shown in FIG. 26, the latching portion 21 </ b> A is a position at the height H described above, which is higher than the lower end 3 </ b> BL of the paper tube 3 </ b> B (roll core) when the roll outer diameter is the maximum value Dmax. To the upper end of the guide member 20. The height H is the height from the lower end of the guide member 20, that is, the bottom of the support portion 24. Thereby, even when the height of the paper tube 3B is the highest position, the contact surface 25 of the guide member 20 can be brought into contact with the lower end 3BL of the paper tube 3B. Then, when the roll outer diameter is reduced and the height of the paper tube 3B is reduced as the print-receiving tape 3A is fed, the contact area between the contact surface 25 and the paper tube 3B can be further increased. That is, the contact surface 25 can be surely brought into contact with at least a part of the paper tube 3B regardless of the roll outer diameter.

<Sensor holder structure>
Next, the structure of the sensor holder 90 provided in the conveyance path of the print-receiving tape 3A will be described.

  In the label producing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, as described above, the print-receiving tape 3A is fed out from the roll 3 stored in the roll storage unit 4 by the platen roller 66 and conveyed, and the print head 61 applies the print-receiving tape 3A to the print-receiving tape 3A. On the other hand, a print label is created by performing a desired print. At this time, a predetermined reference position of the print-receiving tape 3A is detected by an optical sensor 100 (sensor means; see FIG. 27 described later) provided in the transport path of the print-receiving tape 3A, and the print head 61 is used using the reference position. Printing control such as determination of the printing start position is performed. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the optical sensor 100 is held near the tape surface of the print-receiving tape 3 </ b> A by the sensor holder 90 provided on the upstream side in the transport direction of the print head 61. .

  The detailed structure of the sensor holder 90 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 27A, peripheral members are shown in a simplified manner in order to show the positional relationship of the sensor holder 90.

  As shown in FIG. 27A, the optical sensor 100 is provided between the support roller 43 and the print head 61 in the transport path of the print-receiving tape 3A, and includes a light emitting unit 101 and a light receiving unit 102. ing. The light emitted from the light emitting unit 101 passes through the print-receiving tape 3 </ b> A and is received by the light receiving unit 102. At this time, the print-receiving tape 3A has a three-layer structure of the heat-sensitive layer 3a, the adhesive layer 3b, and the release paper 3c at the portion where the label mount 10 is bonded as described above, and the label mount 10 is bonded. Since the non-existing portion (the portion between the label mounts 10) has a single-layer structure of only the release paper 3c, the transport direction of the label mount 10 is based on the difference in the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 102 due to the difference in thickness. The end position at is detected as a reference position.

  The light emitting unit 101 is provided on the horizontal surface 45 constituting the transport surface of the print-receiving tape 3 </ b> A, and the light receiving unit 102 is held on the upper part of the light emitting unit 101 by the sensor holder 90. At this time, the optical axis of the light emitting unit 101 and the optical axis of the light receiving unit 102 are positioned so as to coincide with each other. The sensor holder 90 also serves as a cover that covers the light receiving unit 102. Thus, by arranging the light emitting unit 101 downward and the light receiving unit 102 upward and covering the entire light receiving unit 102 with the sensor holder 90, erroneous detection due to ambient light can be suppressed. In the present embodiment, the light emitting unit 101 and the light receiving unit 102 are arranged on both sides of the print-receiving tape 3A. However, the reflective sensor including both parts is held by the sensor holder 90 on the upper side of the print-receiving tape 3A. It is good also as a structure.

  The sensor holder 90 is provided in an inclined section where the conveyance path of the print-receiving tape 3A is inclined downward, and extends a predetermined width in the tape width direction so as to cover the support portion 90A and a part of the upper surface of the print-receiving tape 3A. It has the extended part 90B extended. The extending portion 90B forms a slit SL between the horizontal surface 45 constituting the transport surface of the print-receiving tape 3A and the inclined surface 48 inclined downward. The slit SL opens on both sides in the tape transport direction (both left and right sides in FIG. 27) and on the left side in the tape width direction (front side in FIG. 27A). Note that the right side of the slit SL in the tape width direction (the inner side in FIG. 27A) is closed by a guide member (not shown) provided in the transport path. With such a configuration, the light receiving unit 102 constituting the optical sensor 100 is held by the sensor holder 90 in the vicinity of the tape surface of the print-receiving tape 3A inserted through the slit SL.

  Note that the insertion of the print-receiving tape 3A into the slit SL includes an opening 91 on the upstream side in the tape conveyance direction (left side in FIG. 27A) and an opening 92 on the left side in the tape width direction (front side in FIG. 27A). This is done by inserting the end of the print-receiving tape 3A through any of the above. That is, when inserting from the opening 91, the front-end | tip part of the to-be-printed tape 3A is inserted, and when inserting from the opening 92, the tape width direction right end part of the to-be-printed tape 3A is inserted. Such insertion of the print-receiving tape 3A into the slit SL is manually performed by the user during preparation at the start of print label production performed in the following procedure.

  That is, the user stores the roll 3 in the roll storage portion 4 in the housing 2 in a state where the upper cover 5 is opened. Next, the print-receiving tape 3 </ b> A is fed from the roll 3 to at least a position reaching the print head 61. At this time, the print-receiving tape 3 </ b> A is inserted into the slit SL of the sensor holder 90. Thereafter, the upper cover 5 is closed. As a result, the print-receiving tape 3A is held between the platen roller 66 provided on the upper cover 5 side and the print head 61 provided on the housing 2 side, and printing by the print head 61 and print-receiving tape by the platen roller 66 are performed. 3A can be transported. Thereafter, the print-receiving tape 3A is transported by a predetermined distance by the user's operation of the feed button 7C, and the production of the print label is started.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 27A to 27C, the corner portion between the side surface 93 on the upstream side in the tape conveying direction and the side surface 94 on the left side in the tape width direction in the extending portion 90 </ b> B of the sensor holder 90. Is provided with a chamfered portion 95. The chamfered portion 95 is formed to have a curved surface shape. As shown in FIG. 27A, a chamfered portion 96 is provided at a corner portion on the slit SL side of the side surface 93 on the upstream side in the tape transport direction in the extending portion 90B of the sensor holder 90. By the chamfered portion 96, the entrance of the opening 91 on the upstream side of the slit SL in the tape transport direction is expanded.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 27B and 27C, the sensor holder 90 is formed in a substantially L-shape as a whole. Thus, a finger insertion space Si into which the tip of the finger can be inserted when the user inserts the print-receiving tape 3A through the slit SL is formed in the L-shaped concave portion. With this finger insertion space Si, the user can insert a finger into the L-shaped concave portion, and can easily insert the finger into the slit SL by pinching the end of the print-receiving tape 3A. ing.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B, the side surface 94 on the left side in the tape width direction is provided with an inclined portion 94a along the downward inclination of the transport path of the print-receiving tape 3A at the lower end. ing. With such a shape of the side surface 94, the slit SL formed between the extending portion 90B of the sensor holder 90 and the horizontal surface 45 and the inclined surface 48 can be formed along the inclined conveyance path.

  In the label producing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment described above, the chamfered portion 95 is formed at the corner between the upstream side surface 93 and the left side surface 94 in the tape width direction of the sensor holder 90. As a result, when the right end of the print-receiving tape 3A in the width direction is inserted from the opening 92 on the left of the slit SL in the tape width direction, the print-receiving tape 3A is inserted when the corner of the sensor holder 90 is chamfered. The amount of deformation (the amount of bending from the conveying direction) can be reduced, and the end of the print-receiving tape 3A can be easily guided to the opening 92. Therefore, since the user can easily insert the print-receiving tape 3A into the slit SL, the usability of the label producing apparatus 1 can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the chamfered portion 95 of the sensor holder 90 is formed in a curved surface. Thereby, the vertex of the corner between the side surface 93 and the side surface 94 can be completely eliminated, and the print-receiving tape 3A can be prevented from being caught by the vertex. Further, by making the corner portion of the sensor holder 90 curved, it is easy to move the tape end between the two openings 91 and 92, and the tape insertion and tape width from the opening 91 on the upstream side in the tape conveyance direction are facilitated. The user can easily switch the tape insertion from the opening 92 on the left side in the direction. Further, when inserting the print-receiving tape 3A into the slit SL, it is possible to prevent injuries or the like due to the user's fingers coming into contact with the corners of the sensor holder 90, thereby improving safety. .

  In the present embodiment, the chamfered portion 96 is formed at the corner on the slit SL side of the side surface 93 of the sensor holder 90 on the upstream side in the tape transport direction. Thus, the entrance of the opening 91 on the upstream side in the tape transport direction of the slit SL can be widened, and the print-receiving tape 3A can be prevented from being caught by the apex of the corners. The tip can be easily inserted into the slit SL from the opening 91. Therefore, the usability of the label producing apparatus 1 can be further improved.

  In the present embodiment, the sensor holder 90 has a finger insertion space Si. As a result, the user can use the finger insertion space Si to pinch the end of the print-receiving tape 3A with a finger and easily insert it into the slit SL, thereby further improving the usability of the label producing apparatus 1. it can.

  In the present embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained. That is, the print-receiving tape 3 </ b> A pulled out from the roll 3 may be curled due to the influence of the winding direction on the roll 3 or the like. In this case, even when the print-receiving tape 3A is unwound from the roll 3 to the print head 61 during the preparation to be performed at the start of label production described above, the print-receiving tape 3A is lifted by curling and cannot reach the print head 61. Even if the cover 5 is closed, there is a possibility that label production cannot be performed. In such a case, the user needs to make preparations again by opening the upper cover 5 and extending the curled print-receiving tape 3A.

  In the present embodiment, the sensor holder 90 is provided in an inclined section where the conveyance path of the print-receiving tape 3A is inclined downward, and the side surface 94 on the left side in the tape width direction of the sensor holder 90 is along the inclination of the conveyance path. An inclined portion 93a is provided at the lower end. By setting it as such a side surface shape, the slit SL formed between the extension part 90B of the sensor holder 90, the horizontal surface 45, and the inclined surface 48 can be made into the shape along the inclined conveyance path | route. As a result, when the user feeds the print-receiving tape 3A from the roll 3 to the print head 61, the print-receiving tape 3A inserted through the slit SL is drawn out while being inserted through the slit SL of the sensor holder 90. And the above-described lifting of the print-receiving tape 3A can be prevented. As a result, the occurrence of the above-described problems can be prevented and the usability of the label producing apparatus 1 can be further improved. In particular, as in the present embodiment, in a configuration in which the print-receiving tape 3A is fed out from the lower side of the roll 3, the print-receiving tape 3A tends to curl upward due to the influence of the winding direction of the roll 3. However, the holding effect of the print-receiving tape 3A can be further enhanced by pressing the print-receiving tape 3A along the transport path inclined downward as in the present embodiment.

  Further, since the side surface 94 includes the inclined portion 94a, the sensor holder 90 can reliably cover the entire light receiving portion 102 of the optical sensor 100 while suppressing a gap with the conveyance path. This also has the effect of suppressing erroneous detection due to disturbance light.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the present invention.

  For example, the case where the print-receiving tape 3A in which the label mount 10 is continuously arranged on the tape is used has been described above as an example. Printing may be performed on the formed tape to be printed and cut into a predetermined length to create a printed label. The present invention is also applicable to such a case. In the above, a method for printing on the print-receiving tape 3A (so-called non-laminate method) is used. The present invention may be applied.

  In the above description, the case in which the print-receiving tape 3A is fed from the lower side of the roll 3 has been described as an example. In this case, since a force is applied to the roll 3 to roll the roll 3 in the direction of the tape feeding direction (front side in this example), the third roller 53 is connected to the first and second rollers 51, What is necessary is just to arrange | position with respect to 52 in the delivery direction side of 3 A of to-be-printed tapes.

  In the above description, the support roller 43 is provided at the second bending position P2. However, it is not always necessary to provide the roller. Similarly to the first bending position P4, the conveyance path of the print-receiving tape 3A by contact with the wall surface or the like. May be bent.

  In the above description, the case where the cradle (platen) for the print head 61 is the platen roller 66 as a conveyance roller has been described as an example. May be provided separately.

  In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Label production apparatus 2 Housing | casing 3 Roll 3A Printing tape 3Ap Tape piece 3B Paper tube (roll core)
3c Release paper 3L, 3R End face 4 Roll storage part 4A Fixed wall part 5 Upper cover 5C Transparent window (window member)
6A Discharge port 8 Cutter unit (cutting means)
10 Label Mount 11 Rail Member 12 Gutter Member 13 Groove (First Groove)
20 Guide member 21 Main body (feeding guide member)
21A Hook 22A Guide surface (Conveyance guide member)
23 Claw (second protrusion, protrusion)
24 support part 24A fitting part 25 contact surface 29F, 29R collar part 30 operation member 34 nail | claw part (1st protrusion)
35 Grip part 40 Flat surface (mounting surface)
41 Groove (second groove)
42 Curved wall surface (contact member, wall surface)
43 Support roller (contact member)
44 Bent part (contact member)
45 Horizontal surface (Conveying surface)
48 Inclined surface (transport surface)
51 First Roller 52 Second Roller 53 Third Roller 60 Shaft Member 66 Platen Roller (Conveyance Roller)
68 support member 68a support portion 70 opening portions 71a and 71b inner side surface 72 rib member 82 rib groove 90 sensor holder 93 side surface 94 side surface 94a inclined portion 95 chamfered portion 96 chamfered portion 100 optical sensor (sensor means)
d1 Distance between rollers (distance between first rollers)
d2 Distance between rollers (distance between second rollers)
Dmax Maximum value Dmid Intermediate value Dmin Minimum value g Center of gravity GF Grip surface H Height L3 Distance Lmin Minimum length M Alignment part Ma Front alignment part (Linear part)
Mc Left alignment part Ma (straight line part)
Md Right alignment part Ma (straight line part)
M 'mating section Mb' rear mating section (curved section)
P4 1st bending position P5 2nd bending position P6 Platen roller position P7 Cutting position P8 Supporting position Sf Holding space Si Finger insertion space Sp Tape piece rising allowance space SL Slit Ta Tangential

Claims (4)

A label producing device for producing a print label by performing desired printing on a print-receiving tape,
A roll storage section for storing a roll obtained by winding the print-receiving tape into a roll;
A transport roller for paying out and transporting the print-receiving tape from the roll;
Printing means for performing printing on the printed tape to be conveyed;
Sensor means for detecting a predetermined reference position of the print-receiving tape, which is provided in a conveyance path of the print-receiving tape and used for printing control by the printing means;
The light emitting portion of the sensor means is disposed on a horizontal plane upstream of the printing means in the transport direction of the print-receiving tape,
The light receiving portion of the sensor means is held on the top of the light emitting portion by a sensor holder provided on the upstream side in the transport direction from the printing means of the print-receiving tape,
The sensor holder is
Tape width provided with an inclined part at the lower end forming a slit having one side opened in the tape width direction between the light emitting part on the horizontal plane and an inclined surface extending from the downstream side in the conveying direction to the upstream side of the printing unit. One side of the direction ,
A side surface on the upstream side in the tape conveying direction located above the horizontal plane including the light emitting unit;
Covering the light emitting part by
A label producing apparatus, wherein a chamfered portion is formed at a corner portion between the side surface on the upstream side in the tape conveying direction and the side surface on one side in the tape width direction in the sensor holder. The label producing apparatus according to claim 1,
In the sensor holder, the chamfered portion disposed at a corner portion between the side surface on the upstream side in the tape conveyance direction and the side surface on the one side in the tape width direction is formed to have a curved shape. Label making device. In the label producing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
In the sensor holder, a chamfered portion disposed at a corner on the slit side of the side surface on the upstream side in the tape transport direction is configured by an edge portion that is inclined upward from the inclined portion to the side surface. > Label making device characterized by that. In the label production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The sensor holder is
When the user inserts the print-receiving tape into the slit, the user has a finger insertion space into which the tip of a finger can be inserted above the horizontal surface on the upstream side in the transport direction from the side surface on the upstream side in the tape transport direction . A label producing apparatus characterized by that.

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